Lead Research Associate - Health Services Technical Assistance & Comm

MD – Bethesda Lead Research Associate – Health Services Technical Assistance & Communications Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence‑based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work. Westat is seeking a Lead Research Associate with experience in technical assistance and communications to join project teams for government clients in various health services research areas, such as alternative payment models, patient safety, patient experience and engagement, program evaluation, policymaking, health‑care quality, survey research, and statistical analysis. Lead Research Associates work collaboratively with others in multidisciplinary teams and may serve as task leads, project manager, or analysts. Demonstrated experience working on health‑services research projects for federal agencies such as the Innovation Center within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS); the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ); and the Patient‑Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is highly desirable. This role is based out of Bethesda, Maryland and will be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement requiring 1–2 days onsite each week. Job Responsibilities Implement a technical assistance plan or curriculum Deliver customized technical assistance resources and support (e.g., reports, tipsheets, tools, and other resources or deliverables) Facilitate virtual and/or in‑person technical assistance or learning events, including webinars or affinity groups Implement educational and outreach activities to announce or explain policy (e.g., email blasts, help desk management, newsletter development, and library oversight) Participate in multidisciplinary teams and serve as a mentor to early‑career staff Interact closely with clients and be responsive to client needs Review work products to ensure the highest quality Work on multiple projects and tasks simultaneously Present research findings to a variety of audiences Conduct literature reviews, interviews, or focus groups to produce memos Basic Qualifications Master’s degree in social sciences, public health, public policy, or a related field with at least 2 years of relevant experience in technical assistance, learning collaboratives, and qualitative data collection and analysis; or a Ph.D. in a related field with 1 or more years of relevant experience in technical assistance, learning collaboratives, and qualitative data collection and analysis Experience designing or facilitating activities related to training and technical assistance Experience working with CMS to conduct learning, technical assistance, or education and outreach activities Preferred Qualifications Experience with Medicare or Medicaid policy, such as value‑based care, payment reform, or care delivery improvement Experience leading contracts funded by Federal, State, or local health agencies Demonstrated communication skills and ability to translate complex technical information into plain language for various audiences Ability to mentor more junior staff and work collaboratively with more senior staff Benefits Employee Stock Ownership Plan 401(k) Retirement Plan Paid Parental Leave Vacation Leave (15 days per year) Sick Leave (9 days per year) Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays per year) Professional Development Health Advocate Employee Assistance Program Travel Accident Insurance Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Short‑Term Disability Insurance Long‑Term Disability Insurance Life and AD&D Insurance Critical Illness Insurance Supplemental Life Insurance Flexible Spending Account Health Savings Account Pay range: $82,000 to $95,000 commensurate with experience. Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. #J-18808-Ljbffr